We are so THANKFUL for so many things this year.

As each new holiday and birthday and anniversary and special day has passed since April 11th, I have found myself so thankful and grateful for God’s love and mercy in our lives. We could be mourning each special occasion as the first one without a very special loved one, but instead, we are rejoicing for another day to live, and another to love and another day to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.

We decided that seeing as Chris couldn’t come to a Thanksgiving dinner at one of our houses, that we would take Thanksgiving to him. That way we could celebrate together.

It was quite a challenge to relocate an entire Turkey dinner with all the fixin’s from Abbotsford, Langley and Port Coquitlam into Vancouver and have it be warm and edible and all ready for the same time.

But we did it!

We found the staff cafeteria, that was empty because it was a holiday and the “staff” was running quite light, and took over in true Kennedy fashion. We set up a big long table complete with a fall centerpiece. We used another table to set the food up on, and we were good to go.

It was tricky because we needed to bring EVERY dish and untensil that we might need along with the condiments that you might take for granted when you are at a house, but it all pulled together nicely.

We didn’t have access to a oven and stove, but that would never stop us………Voila! Just whip out the trusty Coleman Stove and you are good to go.

No matter that it’s out in the courtyard/smoke pit…..that just adds a subtle smokey flavoring to everything.

As we prayed to give thanks for the food and for life and family, a voice broke as the emotion of the day rolled over us all, and a few eyes were wiped as tears of joy escaped.

We Are Truly Thankful!

We ate and ate and ate and laughed and ate….not that we are gluttons or anything, but we sure did a good job of bringing that food in from far and wide and having it still taste delicious.

There were very few mishaps during the day, excluding the fact that we forgot to ensure that our son had shoes on, and were 5 minutes away from GF Strong when J announced that he forgot to put his shoes on……….nice son…..really nice! Not like the floors at the hospital are dirty or anything……

To see the concern and then pride on my parents faces as Chris helped himself to a drink of pop was overwhelming.

I guess it’s true that you never stop seeing your children as your children, no matter how old they get.

To see where Chris has come from and where he’s at is unbelievable. His attitude and determination are awe inspiring. The comments from the Drs. and hospital staff have been so encouraging to both Chris and the family, and about Chris and the family.

It’s not about pouring yourself a drink of pop, as much as it’s about the independance and determination of doing “normal” things all by yourself even if it might be easier to get someone to do it for you. Not being hampered or defined by “circumstances” or “physical limitations.”

Limitations????? What are those? Just challenges to overcome!

We hung out in the cafeteria until it was time for the 4pm IV, and then we scored a sweet conference room up on Chris’s floor where we broke out the snacks and games.

Scrabble Tournament, anyone! Chris can outplay anyone. Grandma Kennedy would be proud of him!

All in all, it was an awesome day, and one that won’t ever be forgotten. It was a day to truly be thankful for all we “do have” because we are so blessed.

It really was a Thankful Day!

ps. click on any of the pictures to go to the whole set or click here